What is Server Virtualization?
Last updated on July 25, 2022
Multiple virtual instances are created and abstracted on a single server through the technique of server virtualization. Server resources, such as the quantity and identities of specific physical servers, CPUs, and operating systems, are likewise hidden via server virtualization.
Everything changed with the introduction of server virtualization. A computer is made virtual by adding a layer of software called a hypervisor that separates the software running on top from the computer’s underlying hardware. The computer’s virtualized resources are organized and managed by a hypervisor, which provisioned them into logical instances known as virtual machines (VMs), each of which may act as a distinct and independent server.
Improve your Business Performance with the Power of Server Virtualization
Cloud computing and virtualization are two buzzwords that are making waves in the technology sector. In fact, virtualization is the actual strength of cloud computing technology. In simpler words, virtualization talks about a methodology of creating virtual versions of a resource in the network. Be it a server, desktop, or application, virtual resources allow you to leverage the available infrastructure and squeeze maximum returns on investments. Server virtualization is one of the important aspects of modern networking technology.
Business Benefits
A business may gain a lot from virtualization. Benefits of server virtualization beyond minimizing network requirements include:
- Improving Resource Efficiency. Since many servers are more powerful than what is required for the tasks they are assigned, firms are essentially paying for resources that are not being used. The efficient utilization of all resources is helped by virtualization.
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Saving Space. If you just operate one operation or program on each server, your data center will quickly become overrun. You may be able to save a significant amount of physical space by hosting several virtual servers on fewer physical servers.
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Hardware Cost Reduction. Putting together actual servers might be expensive. Deploying virtual servers is significantly less costly.
- Physical Infrastructure is made Simpler. The number of racks and cables in the data center is significantly decreased with fewer servers. Deployments and troubleshooting are made easier by this. With a small fraction of the space, power, and cooling needed for the physical server complement, the business may achieve the same computing objectives.
- Increased Server Adaptability. Every VM must run a separate OS since each VM is a distinct instance that exists on its own. The business may deploy any desired combination of Windows, Linux, and other OSes on the same physical hardware because the OS can vary across VMs. In comparison, traditional physical server installations cannot offer this flexibility.
Types of Server Virtualization
- Full virtualization.
- Para-virtualization.
- Hardware-assisted virtualization.
- OS-level virtualization.
- Hypervisor virtualization.
Full Virtualization
The server’s resources are divided up into totally separate, isolated virtual servers with full virtualization using a type of software called a hypervisor. Each virtual server’s resource distribution is managed by the hypervisor. All of the virtual computers run on their own operating systems and may be customized because they are distinct from one another.
Para-Virtualization
In that a hypervisor may access virtual machines using interfaces that are very close to the underlying hardware, para-virtualization and full virtualization are somewhat connected to one another. Para-virtualization entails changing a guest operating system before installation within a virtual machine so that all other guest operating systems on the server may share resources and interact with one another. A greater portion of the virtualization server’s resources is allocated to the virtual servers since there are fewer demands on the hypervisor as a result of all the VMs cooperating.
Hardware-Assisted Virtualization
Through hardware-assisted virtualization, the host server’s CPU already has the split of resources required to run many VMs. As a result, virtual machines can connect with the primary server without going via the hypervisor at all. It’s a technique to omit the middleman to some extent, although a hypervisor is still required. The hypervisor utilizes a sizable portion of the server’s resources since the route between both the VMs and the real server is more direct. This gives the impression that the VMs are actually running on the server.
OS-Level Virtualization
A hypervisor is required for full virtualization, para-virtualization, and hardware-assisted virtualization in order to provide a platform on which the operating systems of virtual servers may operate. However, with OS-level virtualization, the operating system of the host server is configured to support several instances of virtual computers known as containers. In both hypervisor and OS-level virtualization, VMs function much in the same ways, but in an OS-level virtualization system, the host operating system consumes a substantially larger portion of the actual server’s resources. However, a novice user may find it easier and less expensive to deploy OS-level virtualization.
Hypervisor Virtualization
With hypervisor-based virtualization, a piece of software (the hypervisor) effectively mimics the primary server’s hardware, acting as if it were a real computer on which to execute operating systems. The real server’s resources are divided among the numerous guest virtual computers via the hypervisor.
Hypervisor-based virtualization includes full virtualization and para-virtualization. A kind of hybrid virtualization called hardware-assisted virtualization is both hypervisors- and hardware-based.
How does Server Virtualization Work?
Virtual Servers are created by using special software that utilizes CPU computing power. Businesses have the flexibility to create virtual servers in several ways, as seen in the previous section.
By employing software to divide a single physical server into numerous entirely isolated virtual servers, server virtualization reduces server inefficiencies. By splitting the resources among the virtual servers, each of them is capable of carrying out tasks and running its own operating system.
Parallels RAS: Why Businesses need Server Virtualization
The rapid transition to the virtualization segment speaks volumes of this amazing methodology. Server virtualization offers enormous benefits to businesses. First of all, it allows businesses to create highly scalable IT solutions. A powerful hypervisor introduces agility into business processes. By creating virtual machines, companies can effectively leverage available resources and save considerably on infrastructure expenses. In addition, a virtual environment allows developers to test products securely without affecting other applications. Transition to new hardware and platforms becomes simple and easy. Overall, virtual servers improve your business performance by optimizing resources.
Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) is a powerful cloud solution that effectively offers virtual desktops and application delivery. It’s packed with powerful features like high-capacity load balancing, universal scanning and printing functionality, RDP, and many more.
Supporting a wide range of different hypervisors such as VMWare, Microsoft, Citrix, and more, Parallels RAS offers powerful virtualization solutions for your IT needs. Download Parallels RAS today to experience the power of virtualization, with a 30-day free trial!
